Adelaide Footy League: Matt Gibson and Greenacres Football Club eyeing long-term success

A star Adelaide Footy League forward on pace for over 100 goals believes his undefeated side has set itself up for major success, and not just during this season.

One of the Adelaide Footy League’s four remaining undefeated clubs is set for multiple years of promotion according to its star player.

Small forward Matt Gibson has 52 goals in just 9 games this season for division seven club Greenacres, leading his team to a 9-0 start after it missed out on promotion from the league’s bottom div in 2021.

The Dragons have been on fire throughout 2022 and so has Gibson – the goal machine booting 11 majors against Flinders Uni in his most recent outing.

“The club is constantly improving on and off the field,” Gibson said.

“There’s been a really great culture created and I think that’s bearing fruit on the field too.

“The way we’ve recruited and set ourselves up, there’s a five-year plan there and I think we can have a lot of success in the coming years.”

Matt Gibson boots one of his 11 majors against Flinders Uni in round nine. Picture: Michelle Adey

Greenacres finished top of the division last year with a 13-3 record but ultimately failed to make the grand final and earn promotion, losing to eventual premier Brahma Lodge by 28 points.

Gibson said the nucleus of the team was better this season, and built for a more successful run come finals time.

“We’ve got a really good mix this season with some good youngsters coming through and pushing the more experienced guys – it’s that mix you see in a lot of premiership-winning teams,” he said.

“The team has definitely gone up a level on the park as well. We’re a lot smarter with the ball and like all good teams we play a good tempo each game.”

Gibson has also gone up a level for the Dragons.

Arriving at the club in 2019 after multiple years in divisions one and two with Modbury, the veteran goalkicker has taken time to adjust to his new surroundings.

The Dragons have a strong mix of youth and experience this season and have started 9-0. Picture: Michelle Adey

After kicking 43 goals in 12 appearances last year, Gibson is now on track for 104 goals this year.

“It’s been about maintaining fitness, training hard and just getting my body right for hopefully a good finals run,” Gibson said.

“There’s a better synergy with the guys too – they’ll look for me when I’m in some form and we’ve got some guys who can bring the ball to ground up front now too, which works to my advantage.”

As for how far his team can go this season and into the future, Gibson believed the sky was the limit.

“The club’s going to keep going up and up,” he said.

“The goal is to win the ultimate prize this season and I don’t see why we can’t challenge for promotions to div five and four over the next few.

“Reaching the 100-goal mark this season would also be pretty nice.”

Greenacres faces Hackham on Saturday as it aims to extend its undefeated run to 10 games.